Japanese boxer Toshiaki Nishioka (39-4-3, 24 KOs) has all the credentials to stand toe-to-toe against anyone in his division. But at 36-years-old, does the WBC’s Champion Emeritus, and Ring Magazine #1 rated jr. feather still have what it takes to upend a steamrolling champion like Nonito Donaire, Jr.
Nishioka is no stranger to the bright lights and big time prizefights. He has proven himself outside Japan’s burgeoning boxing circuit with wins against former world champion Jhonny Gonzalez in Mexico, and future Hall of Famer Rafael Maquez in Las Vegas last year. For the Filipino boxing faithful, Nishioka dispatched then undefeated prospect Balweg Bangoyan in April of 2010 via 5th round TKO in Japan.
Nishioka, a speedy southpaw with considerable power, has the ability to throw a variety of punches at awkward positions and stances, and also likes to load up on his left. Currently the longest-tenured Japanese world champion, he has proven himself to be a true warrior with the ability to bounce back from a knockdown, such as the case in his fight with Gonzalez in Mexico. But one main intangible that may very well carry Nishioka to victory is the fact that he has been obsessing over the prospect of beating Donaire for quite a while now.
Video: Nonito Donaire talks about Toshiaki Nishioka and his new huge art purchase
?Since the end of last year, I have been training for the bout with Donaire. I was worried that this fight would never happen, but now that the deal has been finalized, I am excited to face him on October 13th,” Nishioka said last week at a press conference in Tokyo.
Nishioka has studied Donaire and respects his abilities the way martial artists are taught to know their enemies. He will be better prepared for anything Donaire brings to the table, more than any of the Filipino-American’s previous opponents. “He (Donaire) has great left hook, left uppercut and he has good footwork. He?s pretty much an all-round boxer. I would like to say to Donaire that we both be at our best condition for the fight and let?s put on the best show together,? Nishioka said.
PHOTO GALLERY: BEHIND THE SCENES OF NONITO DONAIRE, JR.’S VISAYAN MOVIE (CLICK TO VIEW)
I give Donaire the advantage based on a few factors ( to be discussed in the future), but definitely consider Nishioka as the biggest threat the Filipino Flash has ever faced to date. With proper preparation and a great training camp, Nishioka has a good chance of winning what some Japanese boxing fans are considering as one of the biggest fights in Japanese boxing history. If he doesn’t come with his A-game, however, it’s not going to be a sweet sayonara for Nishioka, who has said in the past that he would retire after fighting Donaire.
Tickets for Donaire vs. Nishioka; Rios vs. Alvarado, are priced at $150, $75 and $35 and can be purchased online at AXS.com or by phone at 888-929-7849 as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Suites are available by calling 1-877-604-8777. For discounts on groups of 10 or more, call 1-877-234-8425 or visit www.aegtickets.com.
